Sept 21st Tour de Farms offers bicycling, food

SHOREHAM — Delicious foods, delightful bicycling, and spectacular scenery are in store for all who participate in the 7th Annual Tour de Farms!

Scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2014 in Shoreham, Vt., the Tour de Farms offers two loop rides (approx. 10 and 30 miles). At frequent designated stops, family farmers will treat bicyclists to tasty samples of local foods such as cheese curds, fresh apples, hard and sweet cider, meatballs and much more. Because the event is a tour and not a race, the pace is low key, allowing ample time to chat with farmers and relax with friends in the beautiful Champlain Valley. This year’s Tour is sponsored by Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Shelburne Farms, City Market, Healthy Living Market & Cafe, Ingrid Punderson Jackson Real Estate, Langrock Sperry & Wool, Merchants Bank, and AARP. Over 700 bicyclists from Vermont, the northeastern states, and Canada are expected to attend. The Tour de Farms is co-organized by the Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN) and the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and is a fundraiser for both nonprofit groups. Each year, the Tour is enhanced by the addition of new features, such as burgers from local, grass-fed animals and a stop at a quirky art gallery. This year, participants can expect to sample from Windfall Orchard, Champlain Orchards, Doolittle Farm, Golden Russet Farm, Sunrise Bakery, Lazy Dog Farm, Daona Farm, and LaDuc Acres and many more.

Those not interested in bicycling may wish to consider volunteering. Volunteers are needed to assist with various aspects of the Tour de Farms, including registration, parking, farmers’ helpers, sign set up, and ride marshalling. In return for a three-hour time commitment, volunteers will be entered into a raffle to win various prizes including gift certificates from the Farmhouse Group of restaurants and the Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, Terry bicycle saddles, and Louis Garneau bicycle helmets. Those who volunteer well in advance of the event are more likely to secure assignments of personal interest.

Advance registration fees for the Tour de Farms are $35 for adults and $18 for kids 16 and under. Day-of registration fees are $50 for adults and $25 for kids 16 and under. Children in trailers and bike seats ride free and don’t need to be registered. Advance registration is now open at www.acornvt.org and stays open until 5:00 p.m. on September 15. The Tour de Farms will be held rain or shine. All routes begin and end at the Shoreham Town Green. On-site, day-of registration runs from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on September 21. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the VT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition via Nancy@VTBikePed.org or (802) 225-8904, or ACORN at info@acornvt.org or (802) 382-0401. ACORN (Addison County Relocalization Network) is a non-profit community network based in Middlebury whose mission is to revitalize our local economy to help our communities provide sustainable sources of food, water, energy, employment, and other essential resources, and to promote conservation and a healthy environment.

For more information, please call (802) 382-0401 or visit: www.acornvt.org The Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition is a nonprofit organization that works to transform Vermont into a truly bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly state for residents and visitors alike. For more info, call (802) 225-8904 or write to Nancy@VTBikePed.org

103 Mile “timed event” on miles of wide, recently repaved, “car hungry” roads through the heart of moose country and along the Connecticut River. We start and finish with our hands on the bar, Mike’s Tiki Bar with 30 beer on tap and a great Burrito Wagon.

This classic boasts unbroken scenery. Well marked courses, great food stops and three options, from the 13-mile family friendly loop to the 59-mile with 6000 feet worth of elevation challenge for athletes. Come join the fundraiser for Cross Vermont Trail (connecting neighborhoods, schools and parks with safe, fun trails.)